Russian Maritime Navigation Service turned 310.
Previously, the Navigators' Day used to be celebrated in spring equinox (March 21) and autumn equinox (Sept 23), because in those days one can definitely find cardinal directions without instruments – at any station point, the Sun rises sharply in the east and sets in the west.
But since 1997 in accordance with Navy Commander-in-Chief's decree No. 253 dated July 15, 1996 about new annual holidays and professional days, the Naval Navigators' Day has been celebrated on Jan 25, in the date when Russian Maritime Navigation Service was established.
The need to train native shipmasters and navigators arose with the beginning of construction of Russian fleet. That idea was realized by establishment of Mathematical and Navigational Sciences School in Sukharevaya Tower, Moscow. The decree issued on Jan 25, 1701 by Peter the Great said: "Mathematical and navigational sciences and arts must be studied". That day is considered the birthday of Russian Maritime Navigation Service.
